Alexanderplatz is likely one of the most famous, as well as historically important square in Berlin, in Germany. Through history, it has undergone many changes, especially since the division of Berlin to East and West. In this blog we’ll look at where Alexanderplatz was during the Cold War and what it meant to East and West Berlin during them.
The Division: An Overview
After World War II, Germany was divided into two separate countries: Two separate states were the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Berlin, being the capital, was also divided into two parts: And West Berlin, which had been occupied by the Allied forces, and East Berlin, the capital of East Germany.
The infamous Berlin Wall marked the division of Berlin that divided the city into two parts. Alexanderplatz in the city’s center had a special place, however.
Alexanderplatz in East Berlin
During the time of the division, Alexanderplatz is situated in East Berlin. As a busy transportation center and a place for political and social activity in East Germany, it was.
From a socialist architecture and urban planning point of view, the square was a showcase of the German Democratic Republic. With its wide open spaces and monumental buildings, including its Fernsehturm (TV Tower), Rathaus (City Hall) and Kaufhof department store, its wide open spaces and monumental buildings, including its Fernsehturm (TV Tower), Rathaus (City Hall) and Kaufhof department store, its wide open spaces and monumental buildings, including its Fernsehturm (TV Tower), Rathaus (City Hall) and Kaufhof department store
Significance in East Berlin
But Alexanderplatz was a vibrant commercial district, and a symbolic center in East Berlin as well. The center consisted of department stores, restaurants, cinemas and a busy market. World time clock (World Time Clock) is still here and makes the visitors from all over the world.
Alexanderplatz was a very important hub, having myriad transportation connections between East Berliners and West Berlin visitors alike. It was a place where people met to work or shrink or shop or indulge themselves.
Alexanderplatz, Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall divided the city during the division, crossing several streets and neighbourhoods. Because Alexanderplatz lay close to the wall, it was in, as it were, the center.
More, the next closest point where East Berliners and West Berliners could interact was just a few blocks behind the wall itself, at Alexanderplatz. At the western side of the wall, outside the square, West Berliners would come to gape at their loved ones or contrasting cities they inhabited.
Alexanderplatz Historic Events
Several important events for the divided Berlin took place in Alexanderplatz. Among those, was the November 1989 peaceful demonstration organised by the East German civil rights movement, just preceding the Berlin Wall’s fall. Thousands marched at Alexanderplatz to protest for political reform and democratic change.
Reunification and Today’s Alexanderplatz
After their fall in 1989 and reunification with Germany, Alexanderplatz became part of a new, unified Berlin. The rest of the city got its share of transformations, as did the square.
To this day, Alexanderplatz is very lively with locals and tourists coming and going. It is a major transportation hub had train, tram and subway connections. Around the square you have shops, restaurants and entertainment options.
Modern Landmarks
Now, the city symbolizes reunification, and the Fernsehturm, a symbol of division before reunification, is read as an iconic symbol of the reunited city. It allows visitors to have a view of Berlin from its observation deck.
It is also revitalized by modern architecture, such as the Alexa shopping center and the Park Inn hotel, which help the square to become a lively and vibrant place.
Conclusion
You didn’t make it to East Berlin during the division of the city, but Alexanderplatz, the heart of Berlin, was in East Berlin indeed. In political, commercial and cultural life East Germany was highly important and it even played a historical role. Today, Berlin’s Alexanderplatz remains today as what Alexanderplatz continues to be—today as a thriving square, joined by people from all walks of life.